Title: Why Employers Use Live Scan (And How It Streamlines Hiring & Licensing)
Hiring the right candidate or onboarding licensed professionals often requires more than just a resume and references. For employers in regulated industries—like healthcare, education, security, and financial services—Live Scan background checks are a crucial step in the hiring and licensing process.
In this post, we’ll explain why employers use Live Scan, how it benefits their organization, and how it helps streamline hiring, reduce risk, and stay compliant with state and federal regulations.
What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting system that digitally captures and submits fingerprints to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, when required, the FBI or other agencies for a background check.
It’s the preferred fingerprinting method for background screenings in California and many other states—especially when employers are legally required to verify that a candidate or licensee has no disqualifying criminal history.
Why Do Employers Require Live Scan?
Employers use Live Scan because it’s:
- Fast – Results are often returned within 1–7 business days.
- Accurate – Digital prints reduce errors and rejections.
- Secure – Fingerprints are submitted directly to the DOJ/FBI.
- Legally compliant – Meets government screening requirements for certain industries.
If your business hires employees who work with children, the elderly, sensitive data, or public safety, you’re likely required to run background checks—and Live Scan is the gold standard.
Industries That Commonly Use Live Scan
Here are some industries and roles where Live Scan is not just common—but often mandatory:
| Industry | Live Scan Requirement |
| Education | Teachers, aides, admin staff |
| Healthcare | Nurses, home health aides, hospital staff |
| Security | Guards, patrol officers, alarm installers |
| Childcare | Daycare workers, after-school staff, foster parents |
| Finance | Insurance agents, mortgage brokers, notaries |
| Government contracts | Background-checked for access to restricted areas/data |
| Real estate | Licensed agents and brokers |
| Transportation | Drivers for schools, seniors, or non-emergency services |
How Live Scan Helps Employers
✅ Faster Onboarding
With digital submission, most results are returned in days—not weeks. That means you can clear new hires quickly and avoid delays in placing them on the job.
✅ Lower Risk of Compliance Issues
Many industries are governed by licensing boards or regulatory agencies. Live Scan ensures you meet legal requirements for background checks and maintain compliance with state mandates.
✅ Enhanced Workplace Safety
Fingerprint-based background checks are more thorough than name-based checks. They reveal state and federal records that might otherwise be missed, helping you make informed hiring decisions and protect your team and clients.
✅ Easier Group Processing
If you’re hiring multiple employees at once, many Live Scan providers offer on-site fingerprinting. This mobile service is ideal for school districts, medical offices, or security firms onboarding new teams.
✅ Reduced Administrative Burden
Once fingerprints are submitted, the results go directly to the requesting agency (such as the state licensing board). That means no handling sensitive data in-house, which reduces your liability and paperwork.
How Employers Start Using Live Scan
If you’re an employer looking to require Live Scan, here’s how to get started:
- Apply for an ORI Number
This number tells the DOJ where to send the results. You’ll need to apply through the California Department of Justice if you’re a new requesting agency. - Distribute the Live Scan Form
Once your ORI number is active, you can provide employees or applicants with a “Request for Live Scan Service” form. - Direct Employees to a Certified Provider
Partner with a trusted Live Scan provider like [Your Business Name] for quick, reliable service. - Track Submission with ATI Numbers
Each applicant will receive an ATI number to track the status of their submission. You’ll be notified when the results are complete.
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